The trucking industry, an essential backbone of the U.S. economy, faces an ongoing critical challenge: a significant shortage of drivers.
This shortage — 60,000 as estimated by the American Trucking Associations — is not just a transient issue. It has profound implications on the supply chain, affecting everything from the availability of everyday consumer goods to the stability of national economic growth.
The industry, alongside government entities, is implementing or exploring a variety of strategies to fill the gap, from recruiting a more diverse range of employees and offering specialized training to technological advancements such as autonomous trucks and government policy changes like more flexible hours of service.
The trucking industry’s labor challenge is multifaceted, stemming from a combination of demographic, economic and regulatory factors.
Aging workforce
One of the primary reasons for the driver shortage is the aging demographic of current drivers. Many are nearing retirement age, and there aren’t enough younger drivers entering the profession to replace them. At 46, according to the American Trucking Associations, or as high as 60 in CCJ’s 2023 “What Drivers Want” survey, the average age of a commercial truck driver in the U.S. is significantly higher than that of the overall workforce, 42, indicating a generational gap in the industry.
Challenges in attracting younger drivers
A variety of factors have made it a challenge for the industry to attract younger drivers. The demanding nature of the job, long hours away from home, and the perception of truck driving as a less desirable career path contribute to the issue. Moreover, federal regulations require commercial truck drivers to be at least 21 years old to drive interstate, which limits the pool of younger drivers who can enter the field immediately after high school.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the trucking industry. Many drivers were laid off or chose to leave due to health concerns or to care for family members. The pandemic also disrupted training and licensing processes, creating a backlog of new drivers trying to enter the industry.
